OTTAWA - A decades-old cat sanctuary nestled behind Canada's Parliament buildings is heading towards a quiet end as its feline population slowly shrinks. The sanctuary — a hold-over from the days when cats worked as mousers on Parliament Hill — was once home to as many as 30 strays, but spaying and neutering has reduced their ranks to just four today.
"There were kittens born here, the last ones probably 10 to 15 years ago," said Brian Caines, a sanctuary volunteer and former public servant.

"People ask why we don't get cats and drop them off here, to replenish. I know that any animal rights group would certainly take exception to that," Caines said. "They've got a great life, there's no question about it, people are caring for them. But they are living outdoors and winters are very hard on them."